Metro stations shut; traffic jams choke Delhi

New Delhi: The closure of key roads and nine Delhi Metro stations in the city centre following protests against the gang-rape of a young woman choked parts of the capital on Monday.

The 2.5 km stretch between India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan was barricaded for traffic. The India Gate lawns were sealed off to prevent a repeat of Sunday`s clashes between security forces and demonstrators.

The closure of nine major Metro stations caused immense confusion.

Thousands of central government employees had to walk long distances as Metro stations close to their offices near Sunday`s protest site remained shut for a second straight day.